1 December 1958 (adopted at the proclamation of the autonomous republic, 68 years). Kept unchanged at independence in 1960.
Designed byBarthélemy Boganda, the first president, in 1958.
Design & Symbolism
Specs plus what each color and emblem means on this flag — tap an element to reveal its meaning.
Proportions
2:3
Shape
Rectangular
Colors
Blue#003082 · Pantone 286 C
Blue, as in the French flag, evokes the sky and freedom.
White#FFFFFF
White stands for peace and dignity.
Green#289728 · Pantone 362 C
Green, a Pan-African colour, expresses hope and faith.
Yellow#FFCE00 · Pantone 116 C
Yellow marks tolerance and hospitality.
Red#D21034 · Pantone 186 C
The vertical red band unites the French and African colours: it is 'the blood of humanity', the mutual respect between peoples.
Symbols & elements
Yellow star
The star guides progress and marks independence. The flag deliberately combines the French tricolour with the pan-African colours, joined by a red band for the blood shared by all peoples.
Construction details
Proportions 2:3. Four horizontal bands, blue, white, green, yellow, crossed at their centre by a vertical red band. A yellow five-pointed star sits in the upper hoist corner. The colours blend the French Tricolour (blue, white, red) and the Pan-African palette (green, yellow, red).
Construction sheet
Etiquette & protocol
How the flag should be used and displayed with respect.
Specific rules — Central African Republic
The flag is honoured on 1 December (National Day) and 13 August (Independence Day).
It has not changed since 1958.
Common conventions
Keep the flag clean and never let it touch the ground.
Never fly a torn or faded flag — repair or replace it.
Illuminate the flag if it stays up at night.
Never use the flag as clothing, packaging or advertising.
Dispose of a worn flag respectfully, not in the trash.
Did you know?
Its colours deliberately marry the French Tricolour (blue, white, red) and the Pan-African palette (green, yellow, red); the vertical red band links the two worlds.
